Free Sample Letters of Resignation

Today, I want to share with you some free sample letters of resignation. Statistics tell us that the average American worker is making a job change (whether voluntary or involuntary) every 3.2 years. What this means for you as a career professional is that you have to get used to this idea of change. The only true way to handle change is to understand what is changeless about you. The ability to handle change will be a skill that will require development for those professionals that want to work in a corporate environment. One of the ways to manage change well is to know the proper ways to handle transitions in your career. One tool is to have a solid resignation letter that you keep in the same file with your resume. When it comes to designing a resignation letter, there are four main points for you to consider.

First, you need to acknowledge your decision right up front. A resignation letter should hit the purpose of the letter right away. It should not build up to a climax but should instead get straight to the point. For example: “This letter is to inform you that effective immediately I will be resigning for my position of (TITLE) for ABC Company My last day will be on (DATE).” This is very important that you lead in with firmness.

Secondly, you should use some gratitude in your resignation letter. There are many reasons for doing this, but you want to quickly give your supervisor some specific examples of what they have meant to you personally. One reason to do this is because your work environment has tighter circles than you might think and if the statistics are true about how often we switch jobs you may end up working again for them in the future. Another reason is because some companies wait to do reference checks until after the verbal offer is accepted. You will want to have a positive image in the mind of your current superior.

Third, show enthusiasm for your new role. You want to communicate to your Supervisor to be supportive of your new decision and make it hard for them to be negative toward you because you are so enthusiastic about the position you are moving to.

Lastly, display the integrity of your decision. End the letter with a bit of firmness again by letting your Supervisor know that no counter offer will be considered and you have already made your decision. This takes the emotion out of it. Unfortunately, many Managers like to pull at the heart strings and make someone feel bad for leaving. It becomes very emotional and not very logical. The Wall Street Journal did a study on what happens to professionals who take a counter offer from their current employer and found that 9 out of 10 professionals left that company anyways within 12 months. Honestly, it is almost an insult for them to raise your pay once you have threatened to leave.

So, I hope that helps you to understand the anatomy of a resignation letter and why it is so important. Below are a few free sample letters of resignation. I send these out to my candidates that I have placed into a new role. Feel free to edit and use it for yourself.

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Free Sample Resignation Letter #1

(Date)

(Employer)
(Company Name)
(Address)
(City, State, Zip)

Dear (Employer Name):

This is to inform you that I have accepted a position with (new company name).  I want to express my gratitude for a rewarding professional association during my employment with (your company name).

This decision was not an easy one and involved many hours of thoughtful consideration, particularly with respect to my own plans for my future. I am confident, however, that this new position represents a positive move toward fulfilling my career goals.

I hope you will respect my position in this matter.  My main thoughts now are to work as hard as possible to wrap up my projects here and turn over my responsibilities as smoothly as possible. However, I would like to join (new company name) as soon as possible. Therefore, if convenient, I would like to request that you waive my termination notice.

Sincerely,
(Name)

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Free Sample Resignation Letter #2

Date

Manager’s Name

Title

Company

Address

Dear (   ),

I am writing to inform you that I have accepted a position with another company and am resigning my position with (Company). My last day of employment will be (day & date).

I have been on the research center’s staff for nearly three years and, during the last year, I have enjoyed a close working relationship with you in the development and productization of the ABC project. The success of the project is largely due to your leadership, skills and wisdom. You have forged a new bond of mutual respect and technical cooperation between the Research Lab and the other divisions. It is clear that the professional caliber of the (Name of Dept.) has been substantially raised during this period.

A talented group of ABC project engineers remains. I would like to especially note the contribution of (person’s name) that also deserves a great deal of credit for the project’s success. He has well-developed leadership skills and I can confidently recommend that he assume leadership for ABC.

I am excited and enthusiastic about my new position. My decision in no way reflects on your management style or effectiveness. I request that you support me in my last days at (Company) to make my transition as smooth as possible.

I further request that no counteroffer be made as I would consider it an affront to the integrity of my decision.

Thank you for your contribution and continued support.

Sincerely,